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Those who have worked for years to
maintain the beautiful ‘secret garden’ say it is ridiculous that it is
being targeted by ‘jobsworth’ council chiefs.

‘This area has become a wildlife
corridor and attracts butterflies, hedgehogs, bees and bats. Children
from the nearby nursery come here for nature walks,’ said Mike Kelley,
55, who led the transformation.

‘Now the same council that gave us the awards wants us to remove the planters. I am absolutely livid.’

Haven: Residents say the uplifting pathway has improved the whole area

Hard work: The residents of Rockcliffe Avenue have made a huge effort to make the street look well-cared for and attractive, spending thousands on their gardening

Well-maintained: Thousands of pounds have been spent on maintaining the flowers, which will be removed unless residents change the containers

They say if residents want to save the
displays they must ‘apply for grant funding’ to find more suitable
plant pots which comply with highways legislation.

Mr Kelly, who has spent about £8,000 on the street displays, said locals are deeply upset and angry.

‘This community has put in a lot of effort to make the street look nice,’ he added.

‘I have been putting out various
planters and have spent a lot of money doing it. Other residents have
added to that and also look after their gardens well. All this has
helped us to win awards.’

Retired home carer Jenny Craig, said:
‘This pathway has given so much pleasure to so many people. It has
improved the area, which used to suffer from anti-social behaviour some
years ago. It’s like a little haven.’

Fun for children: Laura Guthzeit, manager of Rainbow Childcare Nursery, centre, going for a walk with Mathew, left, and Macy-May Stretton, right

In jeopardy: Residents have been told to apply for a grant for new plant pots if they want to hang on to their flowers

Obstruction: Gardening organiser Michael Kelley pointed out that even if they do get new plant pots that will not over come the supposed access problems

Mother-of-two Laura Turville, 32, of
nearby Edwards Road, Whitley Bay, added: ‘I bring my two children here
all the time and they love it. We call it the secret garden. I think
every street should be like this,’ while local nursery manager Laura
Guthzeit, 29, said: ‘We bring the children here and they love it.

‘They point out all the little
features and flowers. It’s a safe place to walk down here.’ Despite the
upset in the community, North Tyneside Council maintained residents will
have to apply for grant funding for new planters which meet ‘required
standards’ and do not obstruct those with ‘accessibility needs’.

A spokesman added: ‘North Tyneside
Council appreciates the efforts of residents of Rockcliffe Avenue over
the years. However, the number of planters has increased to an extent
where they obstruct the pavement.

‘Not all residents agree to the scale of this community effort and have concerns about impact on the pathways.

‘Under highways legislation we have an obligation to protect the rights of the public at large.’